High-level committee rejects bike taxis, citing Bengaluru’s rising traffic and safety risks

A government-appointed committee submits its report to the Karnataka High Court, recommending that bike taxi services should not be allowed in Bengaluru due to congestion, safety, and cost concerns.

A high-level committee formed by the Karnataka government has strongly recommended that bike taxi services should not be legalised in Bengaluru. The panel, led by senior transport department officials, has submitted a detailed report to the Karnataka High Court explaining why the service could worsen existing mobility challenges in the city.

The committee’s assessment is based on Bengaluru’s sharp rise in population and vehicle numbers over the last decade. Between 2015 and 2025, the city’s population grew by 42%, while two-wheeler registrations shot up by 98% and private cars increased by 79%. Bengaluru now has 1.06 crore vehicles, including 82.83 lakh two-wheelers and 23.83 lakh cars, making congestion one of the city’s most critical problems.

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The report notes that allowing bike taxis will only add to this growing pressure on the roads. It warns that traffic volume may increase further, especially during peak hours, affecting daily movement across many routes.

Safety concerns also form a major part of the committee’s reasoning. The report highlights that bike taxis could lead to an uptick in road accidents due to the vulnerability of two-wheeler travel. It also points out serious risks related to women’s safety, stating that incidents of harassment could rise if the service is made legal.

The committee compared the cost of bike taxis with public transport, stating that the service is not an economical option for most passengers. A 2 km ride costs around ₹48, whereas a BMTC bus trip costs only ₹6, and even longer distances of 25-30 km cost just ₹32. The panel argues that strengthening BMTC services would be a more effective solution for reducing congestion and pollution.

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Another key concern is the lack of insurance protection for passengers in the event of an accident. The panel states that the current system does not guarantee compensation, putting commuters at greater risk than bike taxi operators themselves.

Based on these findings, the committee has concluded that permitting bike taxis is not advisable for Bengaluru at this stage. Instead, it encourages citizens to use BMTC buses to ease traffic load and improve overall safety.